Nelson Mandela’s many visits to New York

Nelson Mandela, a world-wide symbol of resistance to racism and injustice during his 27 years in jail , became the iconic pathfinder who led South Africa from apartheid to an all-race democracy. He died Thursday at the age of 95. The Post presents a tribute to the great international hero who loved visiting New York City and its leaders.

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Mandela at the opening ceremony of the first annual Tribeca Film Festival in Manhattan in 2002. Mandela with Robert De Niro, left, and Whoopi Goldberg.

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Mandela and Bill Clinton

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Mandela, right, with actor Robert De Niro

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Mandela and Kevin Spacey

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Mandela shakes hands with Robert De Niro and New York City Mayor Bloomberg, center.

Freedom crusader Nelson Mandela will have a high school named after him in Brooklyn — and New Yorkers who remember his historic 1990 visit to the borough praised the decision.

“I very much think it’s a fitting tribute, and a great location,” said Vernard Williams of the planned school on the same Bedford-Stuyvesant grounds where students eagerly welcomed the former South African president more than two decades ago.

Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott announced plans Friday for the Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice, housed at Boys and Girls High School.

Williams, now 41, was 18 years old and a student at Brooklyn Tech when he was given the honor of being master of ceremonies for Mandela’s visit, shortly after the anti-apartheid legend was released from prison after serving 27 years of a life sentence for political offenses.

‘’I’ve never seen that track and field area so packed, you couldn’t see a blade of green grass,” said Williams, now an associate director at Alliance for Climate Education, teaching kids about climate change.

“When Mr. Mandela was about to speak, you could see students just running to the high fences that surround the field just so they could get a glimpse.”

“I believe it was something he was most moved by because there were so many young people that were part of that event. I always felt a sense of pride that the first place he went to before going to City Hall was Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn.”

“As a young person, it was very inspiring to see someone giving back and fighting for what believed strongly believed in,’’ Williams said.

‘’I remember his call to action in terms of wanting support for his cause in South Africa. He was so forgiving and so focused on moving toward the future.‘’

After the schoolyard visit, Mandela was honored with a ticker-tape parade down Manhattan’s famed Canyon of Heroes.

Schools boss Walcott said Friday that plans for the school – slated to open next September — have been in the works for months, as Mandela’s health failed. The Nobel Peace Prize winner died Thursday.

“We’ve been aware of the various reports around Mr. Mandela’s health,” Walcott said. “We’ve talked about a way to pay tribute to President Mandela [and] wanted to make sure it was tied into the school community where he visited.’’

We want to ensure that the special bond between the students and this legendary figure will live forever,” he said. “In talking to people who were there… it was a once in a lifetime visit. It’s something we need to treasure and have part of our teaching.”

Said Williams: “What I remember most is his grace, the way he carried himself, how commanding he was. Mr. Mandela was always involved, he was very active. I’m very saddened by his passing.”